Can I Make A Canvas Feel Like Paper, by Abby May Art on YouTube. 10 min 14 s.
- Video length
- 10 min 14 s
- Time to do it
- 1 hour plus drying time
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 9
What you need
Steps
Lay the canvas flat on a covered table and give it a quick wipe with a dry cloth to remove dust.
Stir the absorbent ground well. It settles in the jar, so mix until it is smooth and even.
Load a wide flat brush and apply a thin, even coat across the whole canvas, working in one direction.
Keep the coat thin. Thick patches dry unevenly and leave a bumpy surface that grabs the paint.
Let the first coat dry fully, then check for bare or shiny spots by tilting the canvas to the light.
Add a second thin coat over any thin areas and let it dry completely before painting.
Test the surface with a damp finger. It should feel matte and slightly toothy, like heavy paper.
Paint as usual. The ground pulls moisture from the paint, so expect faster drying and flatter, more matte marks.
Finish with oil pastel on top if you want extra texture, then let the piece dry flat before framing.
Tips and common mistakes
Apply thin coats rather than one heavy layer, or the surface dries streaky and uneven.
Sand lightly with fine sandpaper between coats if you want an even smoother finish.
Work in a ventilated room and let each coat dry fully before adding the next.
Test on a small scrap canvas first to see how your paint behaves on the new surface.
Questions
Can I use absorbent ground on any canvas?
Yes, it works on most primed, stretched cotton or linen canvas. Make sure the canvas is clean and dry before you start.
Will the ground change my paint colours?
It makes the surface more matte and absorbs moisture, so colours can look slightly flatter. Most painters find the difference small.
How long does absorbent ground take to dry?
Usually under an hour per thin coat, but humidity and coat thickness affect it. Wait until the surface feels dry to the touch before adding another layer.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
